Personal Statements for Graduate School Applications
Presented by the Texas State Writing Center
What Is a Personal Statement?
A first chance to “meet” you as an individual (not a series of numbers).
Calls attention to important parts of your application.
A chance to explain discrepancies or potentially negative items.
Shows that you can write and logically answer an essay question
Types of Personal Statements
The comprehensive personal statement: Maximum amount of freedom You pick the theme and thesis Often used for medical and law applications
The response to a specific question statement: A tight, logical, well thought out response is required. Multiple questions may be asked. Often used of graduate and business applications
How Do I Begin?
Start early because a good personal statement takes time.
Research the schools that you are applying to.
Get to know yourself.
Determine your angle, thesis, or theme.
Free write.
Get to Know Yourself
Talk to family and friends.
Consider academic and personal strengths.
Use a questionnaire.
Writing Style
Use an upbeat and positive tone.
Write in the first person: “I”
Consider your audience.
Introduction / First Paragraph
Generally the most important paragraph.
Make your introduction unique and catchy to grab the reader’s attention.
Sets the framework for the rest of the statement.
Sample Introduction Two scenes stand out in my mind from my visit to Brazil’s Wetland: Forests burning before seed planting and trees as hedgerows. Before the planting season, I could see the leafless remnants of burnt trees still standing. The burning of pristine forests destroys both the habitats and countless species which depend on and thrive in these habitats. The few remaining bare, scarred trees silently convey the cost to our natural resources of pursuing our economic interests. Some forests are preserved by government edict issued in response to international pressure. But most of this preservation occurs alongside major roads — not to protect the ecosystem, but to prevent disturbance to ranches and farms along the highways. The clash between economic and environmental concerns that I witnessed in Brazil fascinates me and attracts me to the Environmental Studies Program. (from accepted.com)
Body Paragraphs Make sure you answer the question. Provide evidence to support your claim
Tell a story. “Show Not Tell” – use details and be specific
Statements are usually short, so keep the focus narrow. Be honest!
Conclusion
Mention why you are interested in the school or program (if you haven’t already done so).
Keep it short.
Sample Conclusion (Author wrote about his experience with a developmentally disabled man and why he wants to go to law school.)
In a very real sense, I inhabit a world of my own experience just like any of my clients. I don't know much about or properly understand many aspects of the world with which I interact daily, and were I to find my own conceptions in conflict with the law I would be just as lost as T. - needing assistance to reconcile my perceived reality with the one imposing itself upon me. The study of law, for me, is more than just a stepping stone to a career I'm certain I'll enjoy – it's an opportunity to better understand my environment, and help others do the same.
(from top-law-schools.com/forums)
Revision
Edit your statement. Ideas Organization
Word choice Grammar
Have someone else read and comment on your statement. Friends and family who know you. The Writing Center.
Allow yourself a full week away from your statement then go back and polish it.
Evaluative Questionnaire
Tips
Do not use a generic personal statement for all schools.
Do not get the name of the school wrong.
Do not discuss your minority status or disadvantaged background.
Do not include controversial topics: Religion & Politics .
Do not include events from high school.
Do not include every achievement
Do not use clichés.
Should I Explain a Poor GPA or Test Score?
You can mention it if you have extenuating circumstances.
DO: Have a valid reason. Keep the explanation to a minimum Use a neutral tone.
DON’T: Complain or whine Lie
Other Samples
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/02/
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/personal_ statement.shtml
http://www.top-lawschools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4353
http://www.accepted.com/grad/sampEssay02.aspx